Monday, November 27, 2017

State Visit to Japan, Day 1

Photo: SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen

Earlier today, Grand Duke Henri arrived for a three day state visit in Japan. The Grand Duke is accompanied by his only daughter Princess Alexandra, whose mother pulled out of the visit due to her fear of flying. He is also joined by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Etienne Schneider, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn and Minister of Finance Pierre Gramegna as well as an economic delegation of about 100 people for the visit to Tokyo and Tsukuba.

Photo: SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen

After arriving to Japan, Grand Duke Henri and Princess Alexandra were officially welcomed by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. They also get the chance to greet the Crown Prince and Crown Princess as well as members of the government including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. After military honours, national anthems, the review of the troops and the presentation of the respective delegations, the Grand Duke, his daughter and their hosts held private talks.

Photo: SIP / Charles Caratini

Subsequently, the Grand Duke and Princess Alexandra made their way to the Japan-Luxembourg Business Forum. The seminar gave Luxembourgish companies the chance to establish contacts or deepen their relations with local companies in areas such as logistics, tourism and information technology. Grand Duke Henri gave the opening remarks of the Business Forum which included a presentation on "Luxembourg, the European country that never ceases to amaze you". At the end of the seminar, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Vice-President of the Luxembourg's Chamber of Commerce and the President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the city of Tokyo.

Photo: SIP / Charles Caratini

Next on the agenda was a visit to the Jesuit-run Sophia University. During the visit, the Grand Duke was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa. Luxembourg's Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich, a former professor and vice-rector of Sophie University, was also present for the occasion. Grand Duke Henri and Princess Alexandra also met with local students.

Photo: SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen

The day's programme was rounded off by the traditional white tie dinner in the evening. The Grand Duke looked his usual dashing self sporting the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum. Princess Alexandra wore a red gown with a bolero jacket previously worn by her mother and the Chaumet Diamond and Pearl Choker Tiara. She also looks to be wearing the necklace Grand Duchess Maria Teresa debuted during her silver wedding anniversary in 2006.

Photo: SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen

More photos of the day at the cour, the government, Wort and Tageblatt. RTL has a video, just skip ahead to the 28:50 mark, as does NHK. Otherwise stay tuned in the coming days for more of the Luxembourgish state visit to Japan marking 90 years of diplomatic relations between the nations.